“What do you mean, “prevented?’” Suddenly Harald Silvertongue’s voice had changed. He sat down heavily. “The word was that Eirik Hallvardsson was asked to come here in support of his brother, and refused to do so. That’s what I was told.”

Somerled opened his mouth to reply, but Tadhg was quicker. His voice was quite soft, but resonant with long practice at psalms and prayers.

“Eirik was on his way,” Tadhg said. “Both he and his companion, Thord, were much concerned when I brought them the news that Eyvind was in a position of such danger. They intended to depart that same evening. If they have not yet arrived, it can only be that someone stopped them, perhaps the same someone who attempted to assault me on my way here. Not being a Wolfskin myself, I’m afraid I fled; very fortunately, I was close to the lakeshore, and while I can swim a little, my assailant lacked that skill. So here I am, somewhat damp and bruised, but otherwise none the worse for wear. God watches over his children. I imagine Eirik and Thord put up a great deal more of a fight; it would have taken many men to subdue them.”

“Wait a moment,” Somerled said sharply. “What do you mean, you took them the news? News of what, exactly? When was this?”

“I came to the safe harbor in the evening, the day before King Engus and his household were slain. I went straight to find Eirik, and gave him the message before Brother Lorcan and I continued on to our lodgings. Eirik and Thord were readying themselves as we left.”

“Message?” snapped Somerled. “What message?”

Tadhg glanced at Eyvind. “I had encountered your Wolfskin earlier that day, making his way here to the settlement. The poor fellow had completely lost his memory of the winter months. But he was determined to find you and do his best to deter you from any attack on the Folk.”

“I see.” There was a dangerous note in Somerled’s voice. “Do you know who sheltered Eyvind during this mysterious absence from our settlement? Was he indeed harbored by these two witches we hear of, the old and the young?”

Eyvind found he was holding his breath; he took care not to look at the priest.

“I know nothing of that,” Tadhg said. “I spent the best part of the winter on Holy Island; I saw no trace of your Wolfskin, nor did I hear mention of him all that time. I was most surprised to encounter him on Engus’s land. More than surprised: he nearly broke my arm before he realized I was no warrior.”

“Indeed.” In a single word, Somerled managed to convey both disbelief and scorn. “Did Eyvind speak to you of Ulf’s death? What did he say of that?”